Interchangeable Magnetic Photo Cube You Make in Minutes

If you happen to have a small cardboard box around your house you have a unique way to display photos or even decorate for the holidays. A square cardboard box, with a tuck-in lid, is all you need to get started with the simple but beautiful conversation piece. And, when youre finished with the easy project, you can simply change the look of the photo cube any time you want, in mere seconds! The cube you use needs to have a lid and its the perfect box if the lid is attached and will tuck into the box. Box tops that are split down the middle can be taped shut and used for the photo cube, too. If the box doesnt have a lid you can cut a piece of cardboard and tape it in place. A square cube is perfect but the photo cube can also be made from a rectangular box.

Start by purchasing a roll of magnetic sheeting. Youll find it at any craft store. You can also purchase the magnet by the sheet but youll need to purchase two or three sheets, depending upon their sizes. Cut a piece of the sheeting to fit each side of the cube, including the top and the bottom. If you want, you can put something in the box to weight it, before starting the project.

After youve cut six pieces of magnetic sheeting, to fit the six sides of the cube, youll then attach the various pictures you want to display to the magnetic squares. Magnetic sheeting has a peel-away adhesive backing which makes it easy to attach the photos. Simply peel the backing and position the photo on the magnet. Trim if necessary. The first set of six pictures will actually be glued to the box. Glue one picture on each side as well as the top and bottom of the box. After the glue dries your cube is complete. To make it an interchangeable photo cube youll now make additional magnetic pictures. You can create particular themes for your cube or you can just cut family photos that youll use to change the look of the cube at any time. If you want to create themes youll simply make six new photos for each theme. Cut photos and images from magazines, cloth, posters, product boxes and other sources. Since the first set of magnetic photos are glued to the box the next set will easily attach to the first set. The magnetic sheeting allows you to simply stick the next photo to it. Display family photos this week, a Halloween theme later, then a Christmas scene during that time of the year. Theres no limit to the different themes you can make. Take things you love, like dolphins or lighthouses, and create a beach theme. Use other pictures to create a theme of your growing child. Select six different photos, which show your child as he or she was growing up, then make a photo cube with that theme. Its easy to make themes for holidays, anniversaries, graduations, or vacations. Dont continue sticking more and more pictures to the cube. Instead, keep the original photos glued to the cube, then add one new set over those, anytime you wish. The next time you want to change the theme just remove the old set and add the new. Stick with one form of images for each set. For example, make all the photos in a particular set out of paper or out of cloth. Dont make some of them from product boxes, some from cloth and others from photos. Although you can use the various types to form a collection of sets, the cube doesnt look quite right if you mix them. You can have one set thats all made from fabric images, one set all cut from magazines, and so on. Set the cube on a shelf, the mantle or a counter top. Display in a window or just set it on the coffee table. The cubes make great gifts and fabulous conversation pieces. Theyre easy to create and so easy to change - whenever you take the notion. Its an inexpensive way to show off your photos and holiday themes while investing very little money. Get the kids involved - its a great project for them as well!

How to Grow Upside-Down Tomatoes

Most of us have seen commercials on tv telling us how we can order kits to grow tomatoes upside-down in our yards. Its not necessary to purchase such kits just to have the unique fruits. You can easily create your own upside-down tomato plants, and for that matter, other foods. It isnt hard to take care of the plants and its easy as pie getting them set up.

Most any plastic bucket with a handle will work for growing the tomatoes. Youll have huge yields if you use, say, a five-gallon bucket. If youre looking for smaller plants you can use a mop bucket. Want something even smaller? A childs old Easter basket will work! If the container is plastic and has a handle youve got what it takes to create the upside-down plants.

Cut a hole in the center of the bottom of the bucket or pail. Use a drill to make the hole or just poke a hole with scissors, then cut it out. The hole of a five gallon bucket should be about three inches in diameter. Smaller containers will require you to make the holes just slightly smaller than that. Now youll need something to prevent the plant from falling out while the root system develops. Coffee filters work perfectly for holding the plants in place. You can also use a circle cut from a plastic bag. Cut a hole in the center of the bag or filter. Carefully push the tomato plant through the coffee filter with the roots hanging out from the bottom of the filter. Smaller tomato types will work best for creating the upside-down plants. Youll need the help of a friend, or a different setup, to fix the plant in the bucket before hanging. You can have a friend hold the bucket, while you arrange the plant, or you can set the bucket on a couple of sawhorses. Make sure the hole is between the horses so you can push the plant through without damage. Feed the plant through the hole of the bucket. Its important that you take great care when pushing the plant tops through the hole. Position the filter so that it lays flat, around the tomato plant, and against the bottom of the bucket. Now add the soil to the bucket. Add some soil, pack it well around the roots, then add more soil. Water the soil well. Using a sprinkle-type watering system, rather than a hose with much pressure, will give you better results. Water the plant until the water is actually dripping from the hole in the bottom of the bucket. Now all thats left to do is to hang the bucket anywhere you want. The tomatoes like sunlight so try to find a sunny place. Some choices of where to hang the bucket include a deck roof, porch, clothesline pole, or even a tree limb. The tomatoes will bear fruit soon. Until then, check to make sure the vines are growing downward, since they have a tendency to grow towards the sun. Just check every couple days to make sure the vines are not trying to grow up through the hole in the bucket. Besides tomatoes you can also grow peppers and other edibles. Large peppers, like bells, wont give you the rest results. Small peppers will grow much better in the upside-down planter than larger types. But, whether youre growing tomatoes or peppers you can still grow other things at the opposite end of the upside-down plant. For example, add extra dirt to the upside-down tomato plant bucket and grow parsley in the top part of the bucket. Every couple of weeks check the soil level of the tomatoes. If there has been some loss simply add a little more soil. This will ensure you have a good amount of soil to secure the root system. This will not be possible, though, if youre growing a second plant on top of the tomatoes. Upside-down tomato plants are all the rage because theyre beautiful, unique and yummy. Its easy to grow them in most any setting. You dont have to have a giant garden to enjoy juicy, ripe tomatoes. Go get the mop bucket and get started! Nows the perfect time to plant!

Lunch Box Travel Games for Kids

Some old, metal lunch boxes are worth a little money as collectors items. Others, however, are just ordinary and basically obsolete. Even though kids now have new means for carrying their lunches to school old lunch boxes can be restored into new game sets for kids. When you go on vacation, or when you take the kids along on a short trip, youll be thankful for the play sets which can keep kids busy for hours. Its really easy to make games for young girls or boys when you start with the lunch boxes and a few cheap craft supplies.

The type of metal lunch box you need to use to make game sets are the ones which are square. The top is flat and theres a lift-up metal hinge that keeps the lid closed. These lunch boxes are perfect because theyll easily sit on a childs lap. Make sure the lunch box you use is one that has no raised images on the front or back. Of course, if the lunch box youll be using looks good you wont have to do anything else to it. If its a little rusty you can sand and paint the box. Use paints especially for metal when you do.

There are many different game and play sets you can make when the lunch box is all set. In fact, when you use magnetic sheeting to make the games, you can make several in the same lunch box. Youll find the magnetic sheeting, sold by the sheet or by the roll, at most any craft store. Use the sheeting to make game boards, game pieces and more. Print out pictures of checkerboards or other games and affix them to the magnet. Simply pull off the adhesive covering, position the game board on the magnet, then trim away the excess paper or sheeting. These game boards will easily stick to one side of the lunch box. Go online and youll find many game board images that you can print out for the game set. Make a tic-tac-toe game by simply printing one out. To make the game pieces print small images on paper then stick them to a small piece of magnetic sheeting. The game pieces will stick easily to the magnetic game board. Instead of pictures you can make game pieces from colored pom-poms, plastic novelties, decorated milk jug lids, flat buttons, small wooden shapes and similar items. Just stick the lightweight objects to magnetic sheeting - or button magnets - to make the game pieces. Although some game pieces are lightweight enough to be held by the magnetic sheeting others are a little heavier and will require the use of button or flat, square magnets. Since the lunch box will only hold magnetic game boards which are no larger than the box you can make larger ones by cutting the game boards into four sections. Make the game board the size you want then cut it down the center. Cut each of those pieces down the middle and theyll all fit inside the lunch box. Now you can just put the four squares together, sticking them to the lunch box, and the game board can be slightly larger than the box itself. Board games arent the only type of travel sets you can make. Create others by cutting scenes from magazines. Use childrens magazines to cut out images of a playground, a classroom or even a flower-filled meadow. After attaching it to magnetic sheeting it can become the backdrop for the play set. Cut out additional images of animals, kids, a sun, vehicles, furniture and more. Kids can use these items to set their own scenes. Catalogs, posters, calendars and product boxes are all good sources for finding images you can use in the game sets. Inside the box you can place things that will help the child keep the play set organized. For example, you can add small, zipper lock bags for the game pieces. Or, kids can simply stick the game pieces to the inside walls of the lunch box. Use one lunch box to make a game set and a second box to make a cartoon character play set. Kids can take several of the fun travel boxes with them since they dont take up much room.

Hanging Flower Cones for Any Room of the House

Its amazing how beautiful things can be made for your home without spending much money. Whether you have to be thrifty, or you just love making elegant things on a budget, you can create plenty of new and impressive things for the home. One such thing is a hanging flower basket with a unique shape. Most hanging flowers are in round pots, but when you use a Styrofoam cone, youll create a shape unlike other flowers youve seen hanging. Group them together and create an eye-grabbing corner arrangement for any room in your home.

Styrofoam cones are inexpensive and come in different sizes. Purchase one cone, different size cones, or several of the same cones to make the hanging flower baskets. There are many ways to decorate the cones to create the look you want. Check craft stores for special paints that will give the cones a brass look, marble look or other finish. Make sure the finish you decide on is appropriate for use with Styrofoam.

Paint the cone with the finish youve chosen. To make this easier stick a long dowel, a pencil, or even a fork handle into the center of the cone. Now you can hold and turn the cone any way you want. Apply the finish to the complete cone including the flat end. Place the dowel or pencil into a cup or glass to hold the cone up until it dries. A different way to cover the cone is to push in dozens of decorative pins, glue on fake jewels, or paint the cone with glue and roll in glitter. Create a totally different look by tearing up pieces of construction paper, gluing the small pieces all over the cone, then allowing to dry. Polish the paper with shoe polish to get a shiny appearance that no longer looks like paper. Styrofoam makes it easy to add wire to the design. Cut a length of pliable wire, shape it into a half circle, then stick the ends in the sides of the cone just above the flat bottom. Make sure the wire ends are exactly opposite each other, on each side. This will create the hanger for the flower basket. The cone will hang with the flat side at the top and the pointed end at the bottom. Add a wire basket holder, shaped like a cone, by cutting lengths of wire and sticking it into the Styrofoam. Measure from the flat edge of the cone, to the point, and back to the top edge. Cut two lengths of wire to these measurements. The wire you use can be very easily bent; it does not have to be stiff wire. The wire can be colored and new or fashioned from an old wire coat hanger for a rustic look. Bend each wire into a "V" shape. Bend each end of each wire slightly. Push one end of the wire into the flat part of the cone and slide the "V"-shaped wire over the cone. The wire should run from one side to the other. Push the opposite end of the wire into the flat part of the cone to secure the first wire. Do the same to the second wire, but this time, position the "V"-shaped wire to run from the front to the back. Now youve created a wire holder for the cone. Glue flowers, leaves, reeds and/or vines on the flat part of the Styrofoam cone. Allow some of the floral pieces to tumble out and over the sides of the cone. Some of the vines and flowers can climb up the wire hanger for effect. Glue some flowers onto floral sticks so theyll rise above the others. Screw a "C" hook into the ceiling and hang the basket. If you want the basket to hang much lower use long pieces of wire as the hanger or tie on a piece of fishing twine. The twine is virtually invisible and nearly impossible to break. Hang a group of the cone vases, at different heights, to create a fabulous look for a corner in your home. Its fun to make the flower cones and theyll definitely draw attention from your guests. People will do a double-take when they see the hanging flower baskets that look unlike any hanging basket theyve ever seen. The finished project is inexpensive, unique and gorgeous.

Simple Hanging Pocket Mail Holder

Bored kids? Put em to work in the mail room! Well, not really, but there is a mail project young kids can do which is fun, easy and will help you sort mail, bills, receipts or other documents. They can make the mail sorter from things you already have around the house so it wont cost you a dime to entertain them. When they get finished theyll be proud of the new decor project theyve made.

A simple piece of cardboard is all you need to get started. Alternatively, you could use a thin piece of wood if you have it. The length of the board or cardboard is up to you. The child will be attaching pockets to the board, to hold the mail, so make the board long enough to hold two, three or more pockets.

With cardboard as the backdrop you have a choice of decorating it with fabric, paper or even shelf liner. You can also use leftover wallpaper, paint or even a poster. The same can be done with the wood. It can be covered completely - with cloth or another choice - or it can be used as-is. The amount of time and effort you put in to the mail sorter is up to you. Pockets from old shirts make great mail holders. Remove the pockets from the clothing and give them to the children to glue to the wood. Pockets can be all the same or all different on the completed mail sorter. Although you can use most any pocket for this project the ones with the straight bottom will hold taller mail pieces easier than pointed pockets. Ordinary white glue works well to hold the pockets on the board. Position the pockets, one under the other, with some room in between each one. To decide how much room to allow between the pockets its helpful to glue the first pocket towards the bottom of the board, lay an envelope on top of it, then position the next pocket. Keep the finished pocket board lying flat until the glue dries completely. You dont necessarily have to glue one pocket above the next. There are many different designs kids can make for the mail sorter. Turn the board horizontally and glue the pockets on to create one design. Make a different design by using a large, wide piece of cardboard. Arrange pockets randomly or create any number of designs. You can place two small pockets down each side of the board, with a larger pocket in the center, or you can make a board that has two sets of two pockets in a block form. After the pockets are glued on there are hundreds of embellishment choices you can make. Glue on ribbons and bows, buttons, twisted wires, twine, flat wooden shapes, foam shapes or even fake jewels. The craft supplies that you can use for accents are countless. Use things you already have at home or purchase embellishments at a nearby craft supply store. Glue a picture-hanging hardware piece on the back of the board or cardboard to hang it. Kids can make a standing pocket mail holder by using a really long piece of cardboard. Fold the cardboard in half to make an upside-down "v" shape. Stand the cardboard on its two "legs" and glue the pockets to one side. If the stand will be placed somewhere that allows easy access to both sides of the board use pockets on each side to hold the mail. The stand can be small, and stand on a desk, or can be large and stand on the floor. If you dont have any pre-made pockets you can use for this craft just cut pieces of felt or fabric. Fold the fabric to a pocket shape, glue the folded edges to the backside of the fabric, then attach the makeshift pockets to the cardboard or board. Create a theme with the mail stand, like butterflies or ladybugs, or just add pretty accents with no specific theme in mind. Spend time and effort making extra nice pocket mail holders, to give as gifts, or just let the kids throw a couple together for use in your own home. Theyll definitely have a great time making the letter sorters and youll be proud to hang their final creations!

How to Sew on a Hook and Eye

In the old days there was a tiny hardware set, called a hook and eye, that was used to hold some areas of a garment closed. Often, they were found above a zipper on the back of a dress, since the zipper didnt go all the way to the top. Zippers used to leave a small area of the garment open because of their design. A hook and eye were usually needed to close the area. The tiny metal pieces were sewn to the garment and used as a closure.

If you have a favorite vintage dress that is missing its hook and eye, or you have a garment that needs a little more closure, a hook and eye can be purchased at places that sell sewing supplies. The piece is usually sold in a pack of several for a buck or two. Sometimes they are attached to a card by thread or even wire. Snip the thread or wire to remove the set, which consists of two pieces.

The hook piece is just that - a hook. The tiny bent wire hook branches off into two pieces that are curled into loops. The two loops are the means by which the hook is attached to the garment. Position the hook on the edge of the garment and make sure the entire hook clears the fabric and that the hook is facing away from the fabric. The two loops should be just near the edge of the garment, on the backside. Thread a needle and knot it. The thread does not need to be doubled. Start by pushing the needle through the bottom of the fabric and up through the top. Now position the hook and hold it there while you stitch it onto the fabric. Go down through the fabric, passing the needle through one of the loops, then over to the other loop, and up through it. Continue going down through one loop, over, and up through the other, until youve got the hook stitched on good and tight. To finish the process pass the needle down to the underside of the garment. Push the needle through a few strands of the cloth, then begin pulling the thread through. Stop and push the needle through the loop formed by the thread. Pull the thread on through now. Repeat this step, but this time, pass the needle through the loop twice before pulling the thread on through. Pull tight and snip. The eye of the hardware is shaped something like an upside-down "U". The ends of the "U" are curled, though, and twisted into loops. These loops, just as with the hook apparatus, are the means by which the eye is attached to the garment. The eye, however, unlike the hook, is positioned on top of the garment, on the opposite side. The large curled part of the apparatus sticks out from the garment whereas the two loops of the hardware are positioned near the edge of the area. This time, start by pushing the needle through the bottom of the garment, up through one of the loops, then over to the other loop, and back down through it. Continue going up through the loop, across to the other one, down through it, and back again, until the hook is secure. Now finish by following the knotting instructions for the hook. If you happen to lose the tiny eye dont worry. You cant replace the hook but you can create something that will work as the eye by using just thread. Decide where the eye would have been positioned. You can mark the area with a pen if you want. Start by pushing the knotted needle up through the bottom of the fabric, across the fabric, then back down through the material to the underside. Do this several times and youll have a tiny stack of threads that will serve as a place for the hook to grab. Many garments were made with just a hook and a handmade eye of thread. Sometimes the old-fashioned ways worked great. One example is the hook and eye. If you have a tiny area that your zipper just wont close the hook and eye is perfect. Its easy to sew them on by hand and they work just as they should. Theyre barely noticeable and will keep that small area at the top of your zipper closed and secured.

Basket of Flowers Pencil Holder for Your Desk

What pretties up a desk more than a pot of flowers? Combine that with something you always use at your desk - pens and pencils - and youll have a unique arrangement for your desk that will fool everyone. That ordinary pot of flowers really hide pens and pencils that look like flowers! The type of pot you use is up to you. It can be plastic, terra cotta, or even cardboard. Cover it with fabric, foil, or even wrapping paper. To do this, cut a large square of the paper, then set the pot in the center. Pull the paper up around the flowerpot and tape in place. Or, tie a ribbon around the top of the flower pot, to hold the paper and decorate the flowerpot at the same time. Create a completely different look by gluing squares of fabric all over the flowerpot. Let the squares overlap each other, here and there, to create a collage effect. Decoupage glue, found at any craft store, works well to attach cloth to other objects.

Instead of wrapping paper or fabric around the pot you can set it on the desk as-is, paint it to a specific color, or even glue on embellishments. Some good choices are fake jewels, flat wooden shapes, decorative tape, stickers, or even cloth monograms. After youve decorated the pot you can then make the flower arrangement.

Select the pencils or pens you want to conceal. Perfect choices are slender pencils, pens, markers or colored pencils. Youll need quite a large selection if youve used a large pot so a smaller flowerpot is ideal. Cut a Styrofoam ball in half then glue the flat side of the half-ball to the inside bottom of the pot. This ball will be used to support the flowers. Paint the ball brown and allow to dry completely. The ball can be painted before gluing it inside the pot, if you want. Glue on Spanish moss, here and there, to help cover the ball and make the finished plant look more realistic. Dont use hot glue, and dont use a lot of Spanish moss, or youll have trouble pushing the finished pencil flowers into the Styrofoam. If you must use hot glue add the Spanish moss to the Styrofoam ball after youve completed the pencil flower project. Wrap each pen or pencil in narrow green ribbon, pipe cleaners or string. As you wrap the material around the writing instrument, trap a leaf, here and there, in the wrap. For example, start wrapping a pencil at the eraser area. Wrap the ribbon several times around the pencil, then position the end of a silk leaf against the pencil, and continue wrapping. As you go down the pencil continue placing a leaf here and there, then wrapping around the tip of the leaf. After the pencils are wrapped, and the leaves are in place, youll then create the flowers that will decorate the tops of the instruments. Pull silk flowers off their stems and affix them to the pencils or pens. Hot glue lets you attach the flowers right on colored pencils and plastic pens, but for metal pens use a bread tie wire - or another wire - to attach the flowers. Wrap the wire around the pen, catching the end of the flower between the wire and the pen. If one flower doesnt cover the end of the pen attach another and another. Use only one wire piece to attach all the flower pieces for that pen. Make all the flowers exactly alike, if all the writing instruments are pencils, or give each instrument its own look so you can tell one from another. Create different looks for your plants by adding some regular silk flowers, too. Mix the silk flowers randomly with the pencil flowers to make the plant fuller and more interesting. Present someone with a gift of pens, pencils or other instruments in the flowerpot youve created. Even if that person doesnt have a desk she will love the gift that can set on a night stand or a table. Make the flowerpots for young girls or for a mature woman. No matter who receives the gift shell use it for a long time to come!

Free Movie Night in Kannapolis, NC

I dont know about you but its getting harder and harder for me to afford to take the family out for a night of fun. Yes, the recession has hit all of us, but even before the recession it could be very costly to take the family out for fun. Even a simple movie could truly hurt the wallet. Admission, popcorn, drinks - it became expensive to have this simple night out. Even if you only purchase tickets, and forget having drinks or snacks, the price for such an event could still be more than you could afford in tough times. Whether youre worried about bills, or everythings running along smoothly for you, youll still enjoy a night out at the movies - especially when you find out its free! Owner of the Gem Theater in Kannapolis, NC, Steve Morris announces that he will thank loyal customers, who are now having financial struggles, by offering them a free night at the movies. Even if youve never been to Kannapolis, and visited the locally famous Gem Theater, youre welcome to attend the showings. And dont think the theater is going to con you into coming then show you an old, boring movie. Only the most recently released movies are shown. Mr. Morris calls his plan the Recession Buster and hopes that it will give some comfort to people in the area who are struggling just to pay the bills. Many of these people can barely feed their families let alone take them out for a night of fun.

Kannapolis is only one town in North Carolina that has been hard-hit by the recession. Locals have struggled for a long time now and continue to hope for changes. The Gem Theater owner wondered how he could help. Hes lived in Kannapolis all his life and is friends with many of the local residents. Experiencing their struggles alongside them he came up with an idea to at least give their worries a temporary break. A night off, without worry, can really lift the spirits. For locals and others this free movie night is something very special. Setting aside his own costs for running the theater and paying the fees to film companies, the theaters owner feels he can temporarily give the locals this luxury once a week. Mr. Morris generosity is providing relief from worry - albeit one night a week - for hundreds and hundreds of people.

Every Wednesday night, until further notice, the Gem Theater will offer the 7p.m. movie for free. Bring the family, bring your friends - theres absolutely no admission cost for anyone! Although the theater is a one-screen production, theres a balcony, and the entire place seats about 900 people. Thats a lot of free movie passes and a lot of smiling folks! Not able to attend on Wednesdays? The theater only charges $3 and $4 dollars per ticket on other nights. The less expensive tickets are for children and seniors whereas other adults pay a dollar more. Although only the movie is free, and visitors must buy their own drinks and snacks, prices on these remain as low as possible. With candy only a buck, and drinks or popcorn starting at under two bucks, a night at the movies can be one of your cheapest entertainment options today! A family of four, when attending the free showing, can have the movie, popcorn and a drink all for under twenty bucks. You cant even take them out for fast food for that amount! Mark your calendars for the next several weeks, and get the family together on Wednesdays, then head off to the Gem Theater. Youll have a great night with the family, itll cost next to nothing, and youll look forward to the next weeks film. Eventually, the owner will take away this offer - no one can give away free movie tickets forever - but until then, enjoy the freebie. Nowhere else will you find this deal so take advantage if you live in the Charlotte or Kannapolis area. The Gem Theater is located at 111 W. 1st St., Kannapolis, NC. Their phone number is 704-932-5111.

Clay Pot Angel Tea Light Holder

If you collect tea lights, or you collect candles, youll love this quick craft that combines the two. Its super simple to make a beautiful angel that is also a candle. The craft uses tea lights and a few inexpensive craft supplies. If you sometimes craft you may already have everything you need to create the beautiful angel candle.

A six inch Styrofoam cone will help you make the body of the angel. Wrap the cone in white satin and glue in place. Its okay if you have raw edges around the tip of the cone. It will be covered by the angels head. To cover the raw edges on the cone fabric glue narrow lace around the hem area. Other choices for the angels gown include white velvet, white lace or even white cotton.

Most people know what a clay pot is but many people dont know you can purchase the clay pots in miniatures styles. These mini clay pots are sold in bags of several at a craft store. They are inexpensive and one of them is needed to make the head and candle holder of the angel. Make sure the clay pot size you choose is large enough to hold a tea light. Its a good idea to take a tea light with you when purchasing the pot to make sure you have the right size. Glue the bottom of the clay pot to the point of the fabric-covered cone. Hot glue will help you attach the pot quickly. Although the project might look strange at this point it will come together soon. The clay pot will actually become the face and head of the angel as well as the actual tea light holder. Use yellow paint to create hair for the angel. Paint bangs then go longer on the sides of the pot. Now use paint or markers to make eyes and lips. A nose is not altogether necessary. If youre not much of an artist you can also glue doll hair around the pot. Use a sticker face to finish the angel head. The sticker faces can be found at craft stores and will make it easy for those without drawing talent to create the face. Painting clear nail polish over the face stickers will keep them from curling around the edges. Tie a gold or silver ribbon around the neck area of the new angel. Tie it into a bow, allow the ends to hang long in the front, or trim the ends of the bow short. There are many other ways to embellish the angels outfit, too. Glue on fake jewels, little mirrors, white pom-poms, tiny gold or silver bows, small round beads, sequin or other sparkly items. There are many different looks you could give the angel simply by gluing on your choice of craft supplies. Now youll need to create the wings and there are many different ways to do so. Shape wings from white chenille pipe cleaners and glue them to the back of the angel. Or, tie a bow of wide gold or silver ribbon, and use it as the wings. You can even twist wire into wing shapes, glue on pantyhose pieces, and create a totally different type of wings. Glue sequin, glitter or other sparkles onto the pantyhose wings. When purchasing the cone you can even look at the wing selections at a craft store. Never set the tea light itself into the clay pot candle holder. Always set it in a metal tea light holder before placing it in the candle holder. When the tea light is lit the head of the angel will light up and create a unique look unlike any other angel youve seen. Kids and adults alike will enjoy making the angel candle holders. If you want to keep the cost down on the project substitute the Styrofoam cone for a paper cone. The cone can be covered in fabric or used as-is. Kids can color or draw on the "gown" and further embellish it with buttons or beads. The mini clay pot and tea light are not heavy enough to buckle the cone, but if you want to add strength, stack two or three cones to make the angel. The angels look great on a holiday table, a mantle or a shelf. Theyre great for showing off any day of the week or setting amongst your angel collection.

Clothespin Designs for Your Home

If you have extra clothes pins you never use there are lots of great things you can make for your home. The clothes pin projects are inexpensive, easy to make, and can be fabulous gifts for birthdays or other occasions. If you dont have any clothes pins you can purchase regular or miniature ones at many discount department stores or craft stores.

Change the look of your curtains by gluing any number of items onto clothes pins. For example, craft stores carry miniature straw hats that can quickly be turned into an embellishment for your tie-backs. Fill the little hat with potpourri and glue a piece of lace over it. Glue on a miniature clothes pin and its ready to attach to the tie-back of your curtain. There are many different things you can use in this manner. Painted wooden shapes, small metallic pieces, or even little ceramic novelties can all be used, with a clothespin, to change the look of your curtains in seconds.

Do something similar for your lampshades. Glue a craft butterfly onto a mini clothespin then clip it to your lampshade. The little butterflies can be clipped onto other things, too, such as a potted plant. Craft stores are full of other things you can clip to lampshades and plants, such as a giant ladybug. Paint a yardstick a solid color and allow to dry. Glue clothes pins across the yardstick, vertically. Space the clothes pins equally across the stick with the mouth of the clothes pins facing downward. Glue button magnets onto the backside of the stick. Hang the yardstick horizontally on the refrigerator and use the clothes pins to hold pictures, notes and more. You can also hang the yardstick vertically with the clothes pins glued on horizontally. The magnetic yardstick can show off kids school work and more. Screw the clothespin yardstick to the back of your closet and you can hang ties, scarves and more. Cut strips of magnetic sheeting and stick them to one side of a clothes pin. Place the magnetic clothes pins on the refrigerator to hold notes and photos. Use regular or miniature clothes pins for this project. Paint the clothes pins, if you want, before adding the magnetic sheeting. Glue any number of flat items to mini clothes pins then clip them onto a Christmas tree. Cut out pictures your children have colored in a coloring book and glue the pictures to a piece of cardboard. Cut the cardboard to the shape of the coloring book cutout. Use a clothes pin on the back of the cardboard to clip the pictures onto the tree. Or, let kids cut shapes from Fun Foam and clip them to the tree with clothes pins. There are many different things you can make and clip to the tree. Theres a fun photo display that you can make using clothes pins. Use a Styrofoam disk as the base for the display. Spray paint the base gold. Use a small dowel rod to hold the pictures. Push the dowel into the center of the Styrofoam disk and glue it in place. Use hot glue to fasten clothes pins down the length of the dowel. Glue the first clothes pin towards the top of the dowel, then glue the next clothes pin a couple inches below that. Continue gluing on the clothes pins but turn each clothes pin to face the opposite direction of the previous one. When youre finished you can simply clip your photos to the clothes pins. If you want, you can add a topper to the dowel, like a painted wooden star or a plastic novelty. Each of these crafts work only with the type of clothes pins you squeeze to open. Clothes pins that simply slip over the clothes line are not suitable for these particular projects. The clothespin crafts are so simple to make that children will have a great time creating with them. Purchase some mini clothes pins, or use ones you already have, to create some fabulous new things for your home. Youll love the finished projects and youll love knowing they cost little to make.

Easy Faux Leather Keepsake Box

In the old days, shoe boxes were a box with a lid but nowadays, the lid is attached to the box itself and cannot be removed. These hinged-lid shoe boxes are perfect for making a nice keepsake box which is unique and easy. The box is perfect for holding photos, letters, documents and more. Its beautiful enough for a woman or girl but masculine enough so as not to embarrass a guy. The box will take few supplies to make it but, upon completion, will not look handmade.

There are a couple of different ways to make the keepsake box. Start by tearing off pieces of masking tape and sticking them to the box. This will be somewhat time-consuming. The tape should be torn randomly and no effort should be made to ensure each piece look the same. As a matter of fact, the finished box will look so much better if each piece is different. Tear long pieces, short pieces, and different shaped pieces, then stick them all over the box and lid.

Tape is the easiest method but you can also use pieces of paper. Each technique will give you a different look. Paper in shades of brown or black work best for creating a leather look. Cut the paper into squares or rectangles then attach them to the box with decoupage adhesive. The glue can be found at any craft store and is used to attach paper or cloth to most any other surface. It isnt expensive but will go a long way towards creating the perfect box. Paint the glue onto the box, position a piece of paper, then paint the glue over the top of it. Continue doing this until youve completely covered the box and lid with the paper. Whether youve used tape or paper to cover the box youll now use shoe polish for the next step. Use shoe polish that matches the color of paper youve selected. If youve used tape any black or brown shoe polish will work fine. Use the polish to completely cover all the paper or tape. You may have to coat the paper or tape more than once to get the color you want. This is particularly true with the tape technique. After youve used the shoe polish you can then spray the entire box with clear varnish to create a shine. This step is optional. Look in a department store or craft store for fancy tacks. You can also check with a local upholsterer to get the tacks. Push the tacks into the box to create the effects you want. Use the tacks to create a perimeter on the front, sides and lid. Or, just use the tacks down the two front ends. The design you create with the tacks is up to you. Even ordinary thumb tacks, in colors of black or brown, can become the embellishments for the box. Create a handle for the front of the lid. You can use a piece of hardware, meant as a drawer pull or drawer handle, or you can fashion a handle from a button. After gluing the handle in place the box is complete. You can now upholster the inside of the box, if you want, or you can leave it as-is. Velvet or felt work great as a liner for the box. Both are very forgiving to work with and look fabulous. Use ordinary white glue, or even spray adhesive, to attach the lining to the inside. Be sure to cut away excess fabric from the corners before gluing them in place. The box can sit on a shelf as it is or you can make legs for it. Cut and stain pieces of a wooden dowel or use empty thread spools. Other options for making legs include buttons, beads or even foam blocks. Glue the legs in place to finish the keepsake box. If you dont want the box to have a faux leather look you can still create a different look from the shoe box. Just use the tape, cover it with the paint color of your choice, then spray on the clear coat. Add the hardware and youll have something similar to the leather box but with a softer look. Its fun and easy to make the leather-look box and you wont believe how much attention it will get! Its useful, inexpensive and very easy to make.

Mouse Pad Wind Chime Project for Kids

How many mouse pads have you gone through in your computer life? One or two? Many, many? Even if youre still using the only mouse pad youve ever owned you may be interested in a fun project for kids that uses mouse pads to create easy wind chimes that never break. The craft is so easy and inexpensive youll want to make several different ones. Lay some newspaper down on a flat surface, get the kids and mouse pads, and get started with the whimsical creations.

Mouse pads are available in many different designs. Generally, the image is screen-printed onto one side of the pad while the other side remains blank. Youll need two mouse pads for each set of wind chimes and the images printed on them can be the same or different. Both mouse pads must be exactly the same size, though.

Use fishing twine to create the dangling items for the chimes. Fishing twine is nearly invisible and creates the illusion of the dangling items floating in midair. If you dont have anything similar to fishing twine use any string or thread. The string will connect the novelty items to the set of mouse pads. To begin, lay one mouse pad, face down, on the newspaper. Cut one piece of twine, fold it in half, and tape or glue the ends to the top of the mouse pad. This will create the hanger for the wind chimes. The hanger should be somewhat long so that the chimes will easily blow in the wind. Cut various lengths of the twine and glue or tape them to the mouse pad. Youll decide how many novelties you want to dangle from the mouse pads. To create a different design make all the twine pieces the exact same length. When youre finished adding all the twine pieces glue the second mouse pad, face up, onto the first one. This will trap the twine between the mouse pads and leave both mouse pad images facing outward, back-to-back. There are any number of things that kids can glue to the dangling ends of the twine. Beads, bells, small wooden shapes, and other novelties work great for this project. Kids can glue the tiny things onto the ends of the twine to make the actual wind chimes. They can select items that coincide with the theme of the mouse pads or create a different theme with the novelties. Purchase items to use for the wind chimes or use things you already have at home. Short, sharpened pencils, soda bottle lids, spice jar lids, broken costume jewelry pieces, plastic characters, and similar items can all be used to create the wind chimes. Large buttons, ping-pong balls, game markers or fake coins are other options for the wind chimes. Look around the house - especially the toy box - to find other choices. To make the chimes look completely different thread coffee stirrers onto each twine piece. Cover each twine piece completely in the plastic straws before attaching the novelty at the end. The straws will protect ordinary thread or yarn but also gives the chimes a totally different design. Coffee stirrers are now available in many brilliant colors that will look great on the new wind chimes. Thread assorted colors to make specific patterns or just make all the stirrers the same color. Screw a "C" hook or "S" hook into the ceiling of the porch or other area where you will be hanging the wind chimes. Use the hanger youve created to set the wind chimes out in the breeze. The mouse pads are so lightweight that they easily blow in the wind. The fishing twine and novelties will bang and clang together to form the actual chimes. Kids will have lots of fun making the mouse pad wind chimes for their own homes or to give as gifts. Grandma, Mom, Teacher and others will appreciate the unique and whimsical gift. Purchase cheap mouse pads at dollar-theme stores or implement old mouse pads you no longer use. This project is very inexpensive, unlike other wind chimes youve seen, and tons of fun for kids of any age.

Cheap but Fun Birthday Cake Decorating Party for Kids

Dont you hate it when one of the kids birthdays rolls around and youre really financially embarrassed? Usually, the number one expense is the gift, and most people want to take care of that first when money is tight. Decorations, cake and other expenses can be figured out after the present is taken care of, when times are hard, but what if there simply isnt enough money left over for all of that? Well, youre going to have to cut corners somewhere, and hopefully, without the child ever knowing! One thing that can get mighty expensive is the birthday cake itself. Purchase it at a bakery and itll cost plenty. Buy one at the supermarket and you can save a little over bakery prices but will still need serious money to purchase one. If youre left with only a few dollars to spend on the cake do something totally different this year. Let each child make his or her own cake and youll save a fortune! Making individual childrens cakes is the perfect idea for young children. Purchase snack cakes, such as Little Debbie or other brands, and each kid can get creative, have a blast, and still end up with a delicious cake. The snack cakes often come in a box of six or more, for a buck or so, but sometimes come in packs of two. That means each $1 - $2 box of cakes offers a treat for 12 children! Of course, the small cakes arent that impressive fresh out of the wrapper, so youll have to do something about that.

What child wouldnt love decorating a cake just the way he wants it? Spread out a plastic tablecloth, place a square of cake on each plate, then let the kids get busy creating. For a couple of dollars you can purchase frosting gel that dispenses from a tube. These tubes make it easy for kids to write their names, draw simplistic pictures or just scribble on the cakes. Purchase one or more colors then let the kids draw and pass the tube to the next child. Purchase at least two different types of cakes - kids love choices! There are any number of inexpensive things you can put out for the kids to use as embellishments. Small candies, sugar sprinkles, candy sprinkles, shredded coconut, mints, nuts, fruit pieces, chocolate or butterscotch chips, gummy candies, red hots or even assorted cereals can all be used to create the perfect cake. Keep in mind the age of the children when selecting the embellishments. Really little kids might have trouble with the tube icing. Older kids might prefer to spread can icing over their cakes with disposable knives. Young kids, of course, will have more trouble with certain things, like sprinkles, than they would with larger embellishment goodies.

Youre going to have quite a mess on your hands - if not an all-out brawl - if you place the goodies in the center of the table and let each person fend for himself. Instead, place a little of each item on a small plate beside the cake plates, or ask each child to pick two or three decorative goodies. Let the kids start drawing and passing around the tube icing while youre asking the others what treats they want. Place the selected embellishments on small plates and let them get started. Although the cakes come in many different varieties shapes of squares, rectangles, octagons or circles make the best individual birthday cakes. Avoid snacks that are cylindrical since it will be difficult for the kids to keep the goodies attached. Let kids decorate with just the tube icing or offer assorted embellishments so they can get truly creative. The decorated snacks dont necessarily have to be just for children; even adults will enjoy making their own special cakes. You dont necessarily have to serve cake squares for kids to decorate. Cookies or brownies work well, too. The decorating of the cookies, cakes or brownies can be for a special occasion or just as a way to entertain your own family on a rainy day.

Magnetic Designs for Your Old Metal Canisters

There was once a time when almost everyone had metal canisters. Those days are gone. Now youll find canisters made of plastic, ceramics, glass and other materials. If you love the old metal canisters keep em! Just because theyre not the newest in designs and colors doesnt mean they cant grab the attention of your kitchen guests with their beauty. Use magnetic sheeting to change the way they look and youll have a blast! Purchase magnetic sheeting at any craft store. Its sold by the sheets or by the roll. Purchase a couple of sheets and you can change your canisters today. Purchase the sheeting by the roll and you can make enough designs to suit any holiday or occasion. Its fun, easy and makes it easy to change the theme of your canisters any time you want.

The sheeting has a peel-away backing that allows you to attach any number of images directly to it. Cut pictures from magazines, posters, books or even cloth to affix to the magnetic sheeting. If you want you can first laminate the images. This step isnt critical but will make it easier to wipe the pictures clean.

The design you make on your canisters is up to you. You can wrap the complete canister in the new magnetic design or just cut a square of magnet, add the cloth or paper image, then stick the new creation to the front of the canister. There are no limit to the various themes and designs you can make. Use lighthouse pictures, cut from a calendar, to create a new theme. Or, cut striped or polka-dot material or paper, then use it to completely cover the canister. Because your canisters are metal, the magnetic sheeting will easily bend to the shape of the canister, and hold in place. In addition, other flat magnetic designs can be attached to the first layer of magnetic sheeting. That means you can create even more designs. Wrap the entire canister in a piece of sheeting covered in a patterned fabric, then make small magnetic bees and butterflies, and stick them to the magnetic fabric. Besides completely flat objects there are some other things you can magnetize and stick to your canisters. Purchase braided ribbon, for example, and cut a tiny strip of magnet for the back. Now you can use the ribbon as a border for the top and bottom of the canister. Make a large assortment of magnetic designs and you can change the theme or look of the canisters for any occasion. Make Easter designs, red, white and blue themes, or even ordinary, everyday looks. Choose rustic themes, bright colors or fabrics that coordinate with your kitchen. You can even cut pieces from a plastic tablecloth and stick the shapes to magnetic sheeting. This makes it fun to create matching themes for parties and other events. If your canisters are flat on top you can even create magnetic designs for the lids. Cut the circles - or other shapes - and choose the design you want. Create the magnetic top just as you did the canister magnet itself. Make a small design or one that covers the entire lid. If youve never used magnetic sheeting have a steady hand when attaching the images to the magnet. Its virtually impossible to raise the picture and reposition it without ruining the image and/or the sheeting. Thick paper is much easier to work with than thin paper when it comes to attaching it to the sheeting. When using fabric its often easier to stick the magnet to the fabric than to position the fabric on the magnet. Paper or fabric, cut the image slightly larger than the magnetic sheeting, then trim off the excess. Youll have fun changing the look of your canisters any time you take a notion. Keep a large manila envelope with your various designs inside, and any time you feel like you want a change, just dump out the contents and choose the design of the day. Since it only takes seconds to change the designs youll want to change them often!

Decorate and Design with Waxed Paper

If youve got a roll of waxed paper in your cupboard youve got a day of fun with your kids! Not only will your family have fun creating but, when youre done for the day, youll have many new, unique items for your home. Since waxed paper is so inexpensive you can create home decor projects that costs mere pennies to make.

One really easy project for kids is created with waxed paper and broken crayons. Cut two circles of waxed paper. The circles can be large or small but both must be the same size. Place a towel on a table or ironing board. Lay one circle of wax paper on the towel. Now place a handful of broken crayon pieces on top of the waxed paper. If you have large crayon pieces you can break them down to smaller pieces by using a hammer.

Sprinkle the small pieces all over the circle of waxed paper. Now place the second waxed paper circle over the top of the first one, trapping the crayon pieces between the two circles. Now place a towel over the top and iron. The hot iron will melt the crayon pieces and the towel will protect the waxed paper. The melted crayons act as a glue to hold the two waxed paper circles together. Remove the towels and see the colorful circle of waxed paper. The crayons have melted and run together creating a design similar to stained glass. Poke a hole to hang the creations on a window with a suction cup. Or, purchase a metal ring at a craft store and use it to make a frame for the creation. Glue the waxed paper circles to the back of the ring then hang the ring on a suction cup. Kids will have lots of fun making different designs by adding glitter, confetti, foil pieces or other items to the melted crayons. Use the same technique to make place mats, coasters or even mats to put under your potted plants. Use popsicle sticks and wax paper to make something completely different. Glue four popsicle sticks together to make a square. Make four of these squares. Cut four squares of waxed paper for this project. One piece of waxed paper will be glued to each popsicle stick square. After the glue has dried you will assemble the creation. Glue the four completed squares together to form a square that will be used to surround a tea light candle. Use hot glue to hold the four squares together at the corners. When youre finished you have "windows" through which the candlelight will shine. Simply set a regular tea light - in its container - inside the popsicle stick arrangement. To enhance it glue small wooden shapes - or other novelties - onto the popsicle stick corners or onto the center of each waxed paper window. Its a fun craft that lets kids create something beautiful for mere pennies. The finished project will thrill Mom, Grandma or even a favorite teacher. Cakes, pies cookies and other goodies can be delicious and beautiful at the same time when you use waxed paper to decorate them. Cut any design out of the waxed paper. The design can be traced from a coloring book or other image. After youve cut out the design(s) youll then use the wax paper to decorate your desserts. Lay the waxed paper sheet, which contains the heart, puppy or other design, onto the cake or pie. Sprinkle powdered sugar in the open area. When youre finished remove the waxed paper. The image will be done on the cake in powdered sugar. Use this technique for cupcakes, candy, fudge and other sweets. Instead of powdered sugar you can use candy sprinkles, colored sugar granules or even tiny candies to make the image. You dont have to have a lot of money to make great things for your house and show your kids a good time. Theyll thoroughly enjoy helping you create any of the waxed paper crafts listed here. With a few things from around the house, or a few small purchases from a craft store, youll have hours of fun and lots of new things to show off to your family and friends!

Instant Messages for Kids School Lunches

If youre like many parents youre constantly sending and receiving texts from your children to keep track of them while youre at work or away from home. Texting is all the rage for kids and teens, and they generally dont care where they are when they text, but schools simply dont allow cell phones and texting during school hours. That can pose a problem for parents who wish to get a message to their kid while he or she is at school.

Its true that many people have poor memories, but when it comes to children, they often have many other things on their minds. Do you have a child who tends to forget to return school library books, turn in homework or write down assignments? Well, now you can send that kid a message via his or her lunch bag. That is, via his or her lunch! Use the foods in the lunch box to write messages and reminders.

No, dont break out the magic markers and write on your childs sandwich. Well, actually, do something very much like that. Instead of regular markers, though, use edible food markers. Wilton and some other brands now make a marker-type pen that allows you to write directly on many foods. Its a fun way to send messages and reminders to your child during school hours. The markers are usually under ten bucks for a set of four or five different colors. Although ordinary magic markers work fine for writing messages on lunch sacks, bananas and even plastic food containers theyre not appropriate for sandwiches, apples and other foods. Use the edible food markers and you can write on just about any food in the lunch bag. Its fun to write all sorts of messages for little kids, older kids and even teens. Remind your child to bring home his algebra book by writing a note on his sandwich. Or, remind your daughter to bring home her umbrella from her locker by leaving a written note on her apple. There are no limits to the various messages and reminders you can post to your childs food. He or she will sit down to lunch, read the reminder, and manage to get a lot more done. You dont necessarily have to nag your kids everyday at lunch with the new edible markers! Use them to create jokes, puzzles and more. For young kids, write words or letters on grapes, then kids can arrange them to see what it says before gobbling the fruit. For older kids write a joke on their sandwiches, fruit or other items. You can even get artistic with the markers. Write their names on foods, create stripes and polka-dots or just make squiggles all over the food. Its a lot of fun creating artwork, messages and more. Now kids sandwiches can have interesting designs on the crust, jokes on top or even a message written inside. Your kids will secretly smile and think of you when they read the message! Parents dont have to hog all the fun when it comes to the edible markers. Kids can decorate their own foods while packing or helping you pack their lunches. Theyll be much more interested in packing their own lunches when you supply them with the fun markers. Now theyll be happy to get up in the morning and fix their own lunches. Kids can watch you write messages on their foods or you can secretly do it. If they arent present while youre fixing their lunches you can wish them "happy birthday" on their fruit or remind them that youre going to visit Grandma after school, via their sandwich or other food. Combine art with messages by creating a border or drawing butterflies around the message. Messages and reminders dont have to be ordinary, either. Write around the perimeter of the sandwich bread rather than writing horizontally. Alternate colors of letters to make it even more interesting. Make balloon letters, calligraphy or other designs. Sack lunches are never boring when you have designs and jokes inside. Kids will absolutely love their ordinary lunches from now on!

Proper Course of Action After a Fall

Thousands of elderly people fall every year, and for some of them, it can lead to a broken hip or even death. You dont have to be elderly to fall down, though, and if you do fall you need to know what steps to take to make sure you are okay. If you fall and youre not alright its imperative that you are able to contact help.

Many falls occur because a person slips or trips on something in the floor. If you are elderly - or even if youre not - its important to keep hallways cleared of things on the floor, and its important to keep a wide pathway throughout the house. Leaving toys lying around, spilling something and not cleaning it up, or even having a pet running around, can all be hazards waiting to happen. Safety starts with you. Dont have extension cords stretching across rooms and make sure any rugs you own have a slip-proof backing. And, never cover extension cords with throw rugs.

No matter how safe you try to make your home falls can still happen. And, not all falls happen inside a house. Many different outside forces can cause a person to fall and become seriously injured. When theres ice on the streets and sidewalks, for example, falls are almost certainly going to happen. Slick, wet grass, a raise in a portion of a sidewalk, or a downhill slope in a parking lot could all be potential hazards. Just because you fall doesnt necessarily mean youll be badly injured - or injured at all. Many people walk away from a fall without a scratch. Should you fall, though, take a minute to assess the situation before trying to get up. Its a natural instinct to immediately get back up but its safer for the victim to determine the extent of any injuries before trying to rise. Upon falling take a moment to assess the pain or other injury. Did you hit your head? Are you bleeding? How severely? Are there broken bones? If there are, are they compound fractures? Have broken bones pierced the skin? Are there others around to help you or are you alone? These things are all important factors to be determined before attempting to get back up. If there are others around, even if you dont know them, holler for help. Its always a good idea to have someone help you because they can see what you cant. If, for instance, youve received a trauma to the back of the head, the other person can look and see how severe it is, call for an ambulance, or simply help you to your feet. If youve fallen because of someones neglect its important that you record the facts, ask others if they saw what happened, and to contact an attorney. If someone else caused you to fall you should not have to pay the hospital bills and related expenses. If you find yourself alone after a fall there are some steps you can, hopefully, take to get back up on your feet. After determining your injuries attempt to get to the nearest thing that you can get hold of to pull yourself up. If youre indoors, slowly roll to the nearest piece of heavy furniture and attempt to get up by holding on to it. If you feel you simply cant get up try to get close enough to use the phone. Make sure there are no bones protruding before attempting to roll. Roll slowly and take assessment of how you feel after each turn. Call for help immediately upon reaching the phone. In todays technological world its easy to have a cell phone or other emergency equipment on your being, everywhere you go. Elders, epileptics, and others at higher risk can sign up for an emergency alert system. These companies provide you with a necklace or bracelet that requires a mere push of a button to contact emergency help. These services are generally inexpensive and very handy. Should you fall you are able to contact help without ever even moving. You dont have to be at high risk to wear these aids; theyre great for children, teens and adults alike.

Five Things You Can Turn into an Easter Basket

Want to give the kids a new basket this year? Want to give something to an adult but dont want to give them a little kids basket? Maybe money is tight and there simply isnt enough to buy new baskets this year. There are plenty of alternatives to the traditional Easter basket and some of them are already in your house. Take a paint can for example. Use paint thinner to clean the can well then wash it in hot, soapy water. When the can is clean and dry you can then fill it with any number of Easter items. Place fake grass or shredded paper in the bottom of the can then add goodies for a child or an adult.

Before filling the can you can cover it with decorative paper or Easter fabric. Spray paint the lid and handle and add a circle of matching cloth to the top of the lid. Make the handle look even more impressive by wrapping it in satin ribbon. Use stickers to write "Happy Easter", or even the name of the child, on the front.

Another thing that can quickly be turned into an unconventional basket is a tote bag. If the bag has a logo or writing on it cover it by purchasing a small piece of Easter cloth. Cut out the shape of a bunny, a chick, or something similar and attach it to the bag with fabric glue. Give it dimension by first placing a wad of cotton under the shape. Outline the shape, and cover the raw edges of the fabric, by using narrow roping or satin ribbon. Instead of Easter cloth you can cut a bunny or other shape from felt and glue it to the bag. Stack picture frames to make a very unique and interesting basket. The frames should have no glass or backing attached. Paint the frames a pastel color for Easter, if desired. If you have many identical picture frames youll simply stack and glue them. Lay the first one on the table then glue on a piece of thick cardboard. You can cover the cardboard with fabric, if you wish, before gluing it to the picture frame. Now glue the second frame on top of the cardboard. Continue gluing on another and another frame. Youll make the basket as deep as you wish, depending upon how many frames you have. If you only have a few of the picture frames youll still stack and glue them, but with this particular design, youll use "spacers". The spacers allow you to glue the frames together but to leave spaces between each frame. The spacers can be flat beads, strips of thick cardboard, or even pencil erasers! The only requirement of the spacer is that it have a flat surface and be no wider than the picture frame. Lay one frame on a flat surface and glue the cardboard piece on top. Position the spacers on the frame. If using beads as the spacers, for instance, glue one on each corner of the frame. Now glue the second frame on top of the spacers. Glue on four more spacers then add another frame. Continue this until the basket is as deep as you wish. Before adding the last frame glue a strap onto the previous frame. The strap can be made from a piece of cloth or wire ribbon. Glue each end on opposite sides then glue on the last frame. Make something similar by gluing hoops together. Embroidery hoops or even brass hoops can be stacked in a similar manner as the picture frames, to create a rounded basket thats suitable for Easter. Before adding the last hoop to the stack, make the strap and glue it on, then glue on the last hoop. A large plastic bowl makes a great basket for a woman. Find the huge bowls at most dollar theme stores and fill them with shredded paper, shredded foil or traditional Easter grass. Place any number of household or other items in the bowl. Even hide a couple of goodies in the bottom of the bowl! You dont necessarily have to purchase new Easter baskets every year or worry about the expense connected with fancy baskets. Make one of the above baskets and watch the reaction of the recipient. He or she will love it!

Unique Rock Decor Piece

Do you ever get in the mood to make something new for your house thats cheap, unique and easy to create? If you enjoy crafts you definitely get in that mood every once in awhile! The next time that mood strikes you I know a craft that will meet all the aforementioned criteria. When youre finished with it, youll proudly display it, and youll love knowing that no one else has one like it! The next time youre at a craft store, or a place that sells crafting items, pick up a Styrofoam cone. Theyre inexpensive, come in different sizes, and will make it easy for you to create your one-of-a-kind decor piece. Choose a cone in any size you wish and pick up a bag of rocks while youre there.

Youll find bags full of decorative rocks, in all shapes and sizes, at the craft store. The bags could contain assorted colors and styles or could contain all the same type of rocks. Choose a bag that has small rocks; its your choice when it comes to the colors and combinations of colors. The rocks cost little and one bag will be enough to create your masterpiece.

Styrofoam cones are available in the color white. If youre using white rocks for this project there will be no need to paint the cone first. If youre using a color other than white its a good idea to first paint the cone a similar color. Some paints have a tendency to melt Styrofoam so check the label before purchasing any paint. Make sure the paint is suitable for use with Styrofoam. Make sure the paint is completely dry before starting this craft. Warm up the hot glue gun and get ready to cover the cone in your chosen rocks. Start by placing one rock on the very top of the cone. Drop below that rock and go around the cone, gluing on more rocks, to form the first circle of rocks. Continue making another and another circle of rocks, working your way around the cone, turning the rocks this way and that. Youll achieve a nicer look if the rocks arent all perfectly aligned. Turn them different ways but butt them together so that the Styrofoam underneath does not show. It may be hard to envision the finished rock cone. Although its a simple project the completed version is attractive and unusual. Its somewhat time-consuming to glue all the rocks on the cone but the craft is not difficult. The most important thing is to completely conceal the Styrofoam cone with the rocks. With another bag or two of rocks you can create an entire theme for a room. Make one large cone, one small one, then cover a candle in the rocks to match. Glue the rocks onto picture frames, a mirror, a lamp base or even a Styrofoam cube. Cover a Styrofoam disc with the rocks then set a candle or statuette on it. Group the rock items together or distribute them around the room. Place two or three different rock-covered shapes together on a table or counter. Set the cones on candle stands to make them even more prominent. If you plan on doing several rock projects you might save money by purchasing the rocks at a home improvement store rather than a craft store. The home improvement store sells the rocks in larger bags that save you money. The large bags are suitable for projects that will require a large amount of rocks. Create a variety of the unique cones by using other things besides rocks. Some choices include fake jewels, buttons, decorative stick pins, tiny novelties, small shells, dry peas or beans, and even silk flowers. Each cone will look completely different than the next. Set the cones on mantles, shelves, counter tops and other areas of the home. The cones add interest to a bedroom, kitchen, living room or bathroom. This craft is perfect for someone who wants to make a unique decor piece without spending a lot of money. Even though it takes a little time to completely cover the cone in rocks youll be very happy with the finished project.

Weighted Memorial for Headstones

If your loved ones are buried at a cemetery where only flat headstones are permitted you probably already know that the space youre offered for memorials is very small. Any memorials must be placed in the provided vase, or on the headstone itself. As the landscapers keep the grounds they tend to throw away anything that doesnt rest right on the headstone itself. In addition, if the gardeners arrive to spruce up the place, he or she will immediately throw away any flowers that have blown in the wind. After rainstorms and high winds a visitor can often expect to see the memorial flowers of others scattered around the grounds. Its a shame that these expensive flowers will be immediately thrown into the trash by the caretakers.

While visiting your lost loved ones the last thing you want to think about is what happened to their beautiful memorial flowers. Make sure they never blow away by creating easy weighted memorials instead. Its easy to make weighted bouquets, Christmas trees and more. There are several different ways to make them out of things you probably already have.

An ordinary margarine bowl can become the center of the weighted memorial. Use a small bowl and fill it full of rocks, marbles or something similar. You dont need to spend any money; just use a few rocks from the driveway! You can even stir up plaster mix - should you happen to have any - and fill the bowl with the plaster. Set the weighted bowl onto a large square of burlap. Set the floral bouquet or tree on top of the weighted butter bowl. Bring the sides of the burlap up and around the bowl. Use a ribbon or piece of wire to secure the burlap around the flowers or tree. The bowl will be covered but it will serve the purpose of keeping your memorial in its place. You dont necessarily have to use a margarine bowl to contain the rocks or marbles. You can place a handful of stones onto the square of burlap, position the floral or other arrangement, then pull the burlap up over the sides. Secure with ribbon or wire. One problem that this particular design can give you is some trouble setting the arrangement upright. You may have to lift and set, lift and set the burlap rock bag until the rocks settle in a position where they will hold the arrangement straight up. In really heavy winds the bag will usually stay on the headstone but might topple over. No matter how severe the weather becomes a brick memorial will not budge. You dont want to set a regular brick on the headstone so first cover it with burlap or something similar. Since bricks have three holes you can create any number of memorials on the brick. Set a cross in the center hole, and flowers in the other two holes, to create one particular memorial design. A different design can contain flowers in each of the three holes. If you sew you can simply stitch a narrow piece of elastic around the perimeter of the burlap rectangle. Make sure the rectangle of burlap you cut will be sufficient to completely cover the brick but not the flowers. If you dont sew you can just use a ribbon to secure the burlap piece. The uniquely-shaped weighted memorials are easy yet elegant. Dont have a brick? A two-by-four section can be used in the same manner as the brick. The block of wood has weight, so it wont blow away, but it doesnt contain the holes to insert the memorial flowers. Set fake or real flowers in small pots and set them, in a row, on the wood. Use the elastic burlap or tie the burlap around the base of the flowers, covering the block of wood. No one wants to pay big money for memorials only to see them blown away, and even though the issue isnt the money youve spent, you still want the flowers you buy to actually be there when you - and others - visit the cemetery. Make a simple weighted memorial and youll never worry about that again!

Easy Roadside Memorials for Lost Loved Ones

Im stating the obvious when I say that losing a loved one is a traumatic and tragic occurrence. Finding out that a loved one died in a car wreck, though, is enough to shatter your soul! After discovering where the accident occurred youll never drive by that spot again without thinking of your lost loved one. Why not mark the spot with a beautiful memorial you set up in minutes? Its a must that you check with the owner of the property before displaying the memorial. If the area is state-owned, the memorials are often set and left, as long as they dont interfere with general maintenance performed by the state. If the memorial is placed in an area that will disrupt mowing or tree-trimming efforts you could come by one day and find the memorial missing.

There are many different memorials that can easily be set up alongside the road. Look in a lawn and garden store, or home improvement store, to find lawn edging that works great for the memorial. The edging is available in different designs, like wrought iron, stone-look, and more. It comes in spiked sections that make it easy for you to create a square or other design.

Purchase a Styrofoam cross, or make a wooden one, to place at the back of the square. Place it in the center of the back edging. The flowers will then be arranged in front of the cross. Flowers can stand in front of, or alongside of the cross, or can be placed on the ground inside the square. Look in the gardening section of a local store to find various stakes that can be used to keep the flowers in place. Its not absolutely necessary to set up a perimeter with lawn edging. The memorial can be a simple cross, spiked into the ground, with flowers spiked in around it. The cross can be decorated with glitter glue, lace or other craft supplies. Or, it can be displayed as-is, white in color like most Styrofoam shapes are. The white Styrofoam is elegant and stands out well. A wooden cross is another option. It can be painted gold, silver, white - even pink or blue. If more than one person was lost in the accident a cross can be displayed for each person. Make all of them exactly alike or create a different look for each person lost. Instead of edging you can also use a large basket to make the memorial. Rubber-coated wire baskets are perfect for the roadside display. Spike the basket into the ground and the flowers can be wired to the basket. Pieces of pliable craft wire make it easy to secure the flowers inside - or outside - the basket. If a child was lost in the accident you can fill the basket with flowers and stuffed animals. The animals can be wired or spiked in place. Sometimes a simple wreath can be the best roadside memorial. Wreaths can be ordinary Christmas ones, that have been decorated in a non-holiday manner. Wire angels or other novelties onto the wreath. If you want, spike a Styrofoam cross into the ground, right in the center of the wreath. Use stakes to keep the wreath secure on the ground. If the wreath will be hung on a pole it can be wired in place. Do not wire wreaths onto utility poles; they will usually be removed. Many places that sell memorial or grave side items feature a wreath stand that can easily become a memorial. The stands are simple wires in a tripod shape. There is generally a hanger by which any ordinary wreath can be displayed. Create the memorial wreath and hang it on the wreath stand. Stuffed animals or additional flowers can be wired to the three legs of the stand. Push the legs well into the ground to withstand winds and weather conditions. Its a very sad thing when you lose a loved one no matter how you lost him or her. If you want to remember a friend or family member that was killed in a car wreck set up your own roadside memorial. Its not a huge investment and it will remain in place for years to come.

Easy Bottle Lid Sachets for Car, Home and More

You know what every house has? A bottle or a jar with a lid! That means anyone, anywhere, can make cute and aromatic sachets for drawers, kitchens and more. The sachets are so easy to make that even the kids will want to get in on the fun. The little sachets will make drawers and clothes smell great. You can also use the sachets as ornaments on Christmas trees and more.

Jar and bottle lids come in all sizes and types. Whether the lids are metal or plastic they will work well for creating assorted sachets. Sachets are generally placed in dresser drawers and closets, but they can also be used as room fresheners. They can be decorated in different ways to suit any decor theme.

Take any lid or cap and fill it with dry potpourri. Some lids you might consider using would include lids from soda bottles, spice jars, instant coffee jars, or even medicine bottles. Small lids, of course, will not be quite as aromatic as larger ones, since the large ones will hold much more potpourri. After youve filled the chosen lid with the potpourri glue a piece of lace or netting over the top. The netting and lace have holes that will allow the aroma to escape easier than if you cover the lids with fabric. Trim the lace so that it hangs over the side somewhat. Glue the edges of the lace well so that they will cling to the lid as you continue the craft. Use a piece of ribbon to cover the sides of the lid. Hot glue the ribbon around the lid then decide what you will do with the sachet. You can use as-is or you can glue a piece of felt to the bottom. Add a small piece of magnetic sheeting to the bottom of the lid to create a sachet for the refrigerator or other metal surface. Since the sachet lid will hang upright you can add a bow to the top. Simply hot glue it to the lid. Make a car freshener that hangs from the mirror by gluing a stretch cord onto the lid. Cut a length of cord, fold it in half, then glue the ends to the flat side of the lid. Now glue a piece of felt over the top. Or, create a double-sided rearview mirror hanger. Create two identical lids with potpourri inside. Glue the ends of the cord to the back of one of the lids. Now glue the second lid to the first by placing them back-to-back. If you want, you can glue a piece of gathered lace around the area where the two lids meet. Use large lids to make doorknob hangers. Place the potpourri in the lid, glue on the lace, then cover the sides with ribbon. Glue the ends of a piece of satin to the backside then glue on a piece of felt or fabric. Hang the aromatic creation on bedroom or bathroom doorknobs. Make tiny sachets, fill them with baby powder, then set them in babys dresser drawers. Any powder or dry ingredient(s) will work to make the sachets. You can purchase dry potpourri or use any type of body powder. Another option is to fill the lid with a folded dryer sheet. Or, place essential oils on a piece of felt and fold it. Place the felt inside the lid before gluing on the lace. There are literally hundreds of different fragrances you can create. There are different ways to decorate the lids for the sachets besides wrapping the sides with ribbon. Glue on fake jewels, a length of fabric, sequin, buttons, or glue and glitter. Make something completely different by using a picture instead of netting over the top of the potpourri. Cut a small picture out of a magazine. Fill the lid with potpourri then glue the picture on. Poke holes, here and there, on the picture. Keep the holes in the outline, or otherwise hidden. The tiny holes will allow the scent to escape. There are lots of uses for the jar lid potpourris. Drop tiny ones in your purse. Place a set of them in your shoes at night. Toss them in closets, group them on shelves, or hang them on curtain tie-backs. The potpourris are cheap, easy and make great gifts, too!

Fun Characters You Make from Bottles

How many 20 oz bottles does your family go through in a week? Youre not throwing them away are you? Why would you do that? The bottles can become everything from baby toys to workout weights. Theres another thing you can make from the bottles, in fact, from any bottle. Cute character kids are loads of fun to make and will cause anyone who sees them to grin. The characters, when finished, can sit on a shelf, a desk or anywhere else in the house.

Theres no need to remove any labels on the bottle but do remove the cap. Take strips of double-sided tape and place them, vertically, around the bottle. Place each piece next to the first one to ensure the entire bottle is covered. Cut separate pieces, if needed, to attach to the neck of the bottle. Do not overlap any of the tape pieces. Instead of the tape, you can use hot glue to affix the yarn, but that is more time consuming than using the tape.

Begin at the bottom and start wrapping the bottle with yarn. Dont have any yarn? Lightweight cord or twine will work fine. Continue making row after horizontal row until youve covered the entire bottle. If using hot glue, add a dab, put the yarn in it, then add another dab. Slowly work your way around, keeping the yarn taught but not pulling it tightly. Change the clothing color any time you want by tying on a different color of yarn. Wrap half the bottle in blue yarn, to represent jeans, then tie off and wrap the remainder of the bottle in a different color, to make the shirt. In the center, tie off to a black or brown color, to make a belt. Or, tie off several different times when making the shirt, to create a striped effect. When youre finished wrapping the bottle drop some pebbles, rocks or dry beans into the bottom to keep the bottle from tipping over. To create a head for the bottle person use an ordinary wooden spoon. The spoon should be the type that is almost flat and has a long handle. Use craft supplies or paints to make a face on one side of the spoon. Glue on wiggly eyes or just use paint markers to make the face. Attach yarn hair or make a hat from felt. Give one character long, braided yarn hair, and another character, feather hair that sticks straight up. Use a piece of black yarn to make a man with a moustache. Make one spoon a girl by gluing a small bow to the edge of the spoon. Each character will take on a different look when you add various embellishments to the spoon. Since one side of the spoon is rounded, and the other is somewhat concave, you can make different characters depending upon which side of the spoon you paint. When youre finished making the head and face simply drop the spoon handle into the bottle. When the bottle is lifted or bumped, the spoon will move back and forth, making the character seem to nod. Give each character his or her own style by using various craft supplies. Wrap a piece of lace around the neck of one bottle to make a collar. Wrap a length of strung beads around another one to create a necklace. Glue on a tiny star button to make one bottle a guy with a badge. There are no limits to the different characters you can make. Eyes can be made from markers, beads or pom-poms. Noses can be made from a piece of felt, button or pom-pom. Mouths can be cut from felt or the whole face can be a sticker set from a craft store. Hair can be made from foam, feathers, yarn, string or even paper. Clothing can be made from the wrapped yarn or you can simply glue on scraps of fabric. Use plastic spoons as faces for smaller bottle people. Make the characters from empty spice bottles and theyll be much smaller than the 20 oz bottle people. Youll have lots of fun making the whimsical characters that look great on a desk, mantle or shelf. Theyre not just for kids; even adults can appreciate the humor of the cute little characters.

Tips for Creating More Space in a Small Mobile Home

If you live in a mobile home you could find yourself crowded with your own belongings because there simply isnt enough room. With a few tips, though, you can find many new places to store things no matter what type of mobile home you have. Some storage solutions cost little money but are extremely helpful. Most are easy enough for anyone to set up in their own trailer.

In your kitchen look to your refrigerator for extra storage. Many people display or store things on top of the fridge but you can also keep many utensils and other items on the sides of the refrigerator. All you need are a couple wire baskets and some button magnets. Button magnets can be stuck to the refrigerator before positioning the wire baskets on them. The baskets can hold quite a few items like towels, notepad and many other items. If the wire baskets wont contain certain things, like utensils, cut a piece of cardboard to place in the bottom.

The front of the refrigerator can also provide some storage. For example, you might not have much room for picture frames but you can display the pics on the fridge. Glue clothes pins to a yard stick, place button magnets on the back of the stick and place it on the front of the refrigerator. The clothes pins can hold everything from notes to photos to school papers. Many trailer bedrooms are very small. Create lots of extra storage by replacing your bed frame with hard plastic milk creates. Set the crates up in a perimeter then place extra crates in the middle for support. Set the box spring and mattress on the crates. Your bed is now a full storage unit. The crates are set to where their openings face outward. Store shoes, books, magazines, clothing and many other items in the crates. Use a bed skirt to hide the crates and their contents. Make shelves for the kitchen, bathroom or other rooms by stacking planks with most any object to support them. Use two upside down bowls, and a plank, to make a shelf to hold bath products, spices or other items. Place two more bowls on that plank, add another plank, and you have two shelves that were easy to make. Dont stack the shelves too high, and make sure theyre on a level surface, to prevent accidents. Stack paint cans to make cubby holes for bedrooms or bathroom. Glue the cans in a pyramid shape, with the openings of the cans facing towards you, then tie a ribbon around the whole pyramid. Stack the pyramid cans in a childs room to hold shoes and toys. The cans can be stacked in any shape you wish. Instead of paint cans you can use coffee cans and similar cans. Over-the-door hooks are inexpensive and can help you create a place to hang winter coats or everyday wear. Hang the hooks over closet doors, bedroom doors or the bathroom door. The hooks can hold quite a few hangers. Use a piece of fabric to make a different kind of over-the-door storage unit. Cut a piece of fabric which will go up one side of the door, over the top, then down the other side. Glue or stitch pockets - or pieces of fabric - to the long piece of material. Use the pockets to hold jewelry, hair ties, hair brush, rollers, curling irons and more. The pockets can be assorted sizes, to hold large and small items, or they can all be the same size. The door pockets are great for the bathroom or a bedroom. Look up to find more storage places. Take a beach towel and tie the ends tight with a rope or twine. String the rope across a corner, towards the ceiling, to create lots of extra room. The homemade hammock can hold toys, stuffed animals and more. Just because you live in a small trailer doesnt mean you have to be overcrowded. There are many different ways to create extra room - and extra storage space - in any mobile home. The storage solutions dont have to be expensive but will provide you with much needed improvements.

Soda Bottle Golf Game for Kids

Youll need plenty of things to keep the kids busy this summer. During the hottest part of the day kids can be indoors creating new games, and when it cools off in the evening, they can go outside and play with the new games. One of those games can be a crazy new golf game thats made just for kids. Its not like traditional golf but its just as much fun. The game is made from pop bottles and other things you have around your house. Gather some three-liter soda bottles and youll be ready to get started.

Ordinary games of golf consist of cups in the ground that catch the balls. Your child wont be digging up the yard, though. Instead of holes and cups this new golf game will have goals instead. The goals are made from plastic three-liter bottles. Leave the lids screwed on to the bottles but cut off the bottom. Parents should do this part for young kids. Use a craft knife or scissors to cut the bottom of the bottle and throw it away or save it for another craft.

Use a fingernail file or sandpaper to smooth the edges of the bottle if needed or desired. The bottoms of the bottles will be pushed into the ground to make the goals for the golf game. The only reason to file it would be to ensure young children dont get hurt. After cutting away the bottom of the bottle cut an arch on one side. The arch should be approximately 3-1/2" x 4". This allows the golf balls to easily enter the goal. Use colored electrical tape to make stripes and other designs on the bottles. Plastic pieces, like strips cut from trash bags, make it easy to create additional designs on the bottle. Use tape to mask off the archway and smooth the edges. Use white or black trash bag strips to make wide stripes against colored tape strips. Put a number on each bottle. You can make as many "holes" as you want. Use stickers or plastic cutouts to make the number for each goal. Use other stickers to embellish each bottle. Butterfly, fish, puppies or other themes can easily be created by using sticker sheets. If you want, you can create a different color scheme and theme for each bottle, so that each goal will look completely different. Or, make the whole set look the same with the only difference being the numbers. Putters can be made from sticks or other things you might have. An empty wrapping paper roll makes a great club. The roll should be very sturdy and long. It will be used as the handle of the club. Now cut a section from a similar roll, fold it in half, and staple it over the end of the wrapping paper roll. Paint the clubs or use them as-is. Use an ordinary stick to make a different club. The stick should be fairly straight and free of loose bark. As above, cut a section of cardboard tube, fold it over the end of the stick, and staple it in place. Instead of a wrapping paper roll you can use a wide strip of thick cardboard to make the end of the club. Wrap the entire club with colored tape or even ordinary duct tape. This will make it more sturdy and hide the staples and seams of the cardboard. When kids are ready to play with the new golf game simply position the bottles outside in the yard. Use a twisting motion to screw the soda bottles down into the ground. Make sure the archway is above ground enough to allow the balls to roll right in. Use the handmade clubs to knock the balls into the various bottles around the yard. The person who gets his ball into each bottle with the least amount of strokes is the winner. Instead of numbering the bottles kids can make flags instead. Use long dowel rods to make the flag stands. Cut a triangle of plastic or foam to create the flat itself. Kids can use stickers or cutouts to make a number on the flag. Kids will enjoy playing the new golf game with their friends for hours on end. Grab a putter yourself and make it a family fun day!

Dinner Plate Centerpieces You Make for Any Occasion

A centerpiece can be extremely simplistic, or very elegant, but either way it will always catch the eye of each and every visitor. Thats because guests will flock to the foods, and when they do, theres the centerpiece - right in the middle of the table. You want the guests to notice the centerpiece but that doesnt mean it has to be expensive. Make your own from a dinner plate and youll have an eye-catching decor piece for any holiday or occasion.

The type of plate you use is not that important. It can be a plate of china, a heavy ceramic piece, or even a disposable plate. When using a disposable plate make sure you choose lightweight embellishments that wont cause the plate to buckle. If you have a small table you can use an inverted saucer rather than a full size dinner plate.

Make a Halloween centerpiece from a plate by first turning it upside-down. Glue or tape on real or artificial autumn leaves. Cover the plate completely in the leaves then build a dilapidated house from popsicle sticks. Glue on handmade mini tombstones, a pumpkin patch or other Halloween embellishments. Create a fabulous Thanksgiving centerpiece by covering the overturned plate with colorful leaves and mini pine cones. Or, glue potpourri in fall colors, all over the plate. Purchase a paper or ceramic turkey to set in the center or create your own from foam, cardboard, Styrofoam or other craft supplies. Make the arrangement as elaborate or as simplistic as you wish. There are many different designs you can create for Christmas. Cover the edges of the plate with a length of garland then cover the bottom of the plate with white cloth. Set a miniature pine tree, and mini people, or just mount a tree with mini presents all around it. A different design is created when you cover the entire plate with garland then glue in pine cones, fake apples and mini fake candies. Or, purchase a mini Nativity scene, cover the plate in raffia, then set the manger and characters on the raffia. Youll find lots of embellishments at dollar theme stores, which will help you create something that looks expensive, but actually costs little. You can create the dinner plate scenes for Easter, Valentines Day, Independence Day - or any special occasion. Use embellishments like fake grass, mini trees, wooden heart shapes, plastic animals or characters, flags, foil, fabric images, and any number of craft store novelties. If you want, you can add mini lights to your dinner plate centerpiece. Just make a hole in the tablecloth to push the cord through, so that the wire is hidden. Use a disposable tablecloth if your centerpiece will be lit. You dont want to poke a hole in your nice lace tablecloth! There are unique tricks you can use, to make a different centerpiece each year, using the dinner plate technique. Create a holiday scene on an inverted saucer, then place a clear drinking glass over the top of it. Set the scene on an upside-down dinner plate then cover it with a clear glass bowl. Make something similar by using an inverted bowl, rather than a plate, to make the dinner table centerpiece. When using a bowl you can set a scene under the bowl then another on top of the bowl. Or, you can cover the bowl with fabric by using decoupage adhesive to affix the cloth. You can do the same thing with the dinner plate or saucer. Who would have thought that an odd plate could become something so beautiful? It can - and youre the one that can make it happen. Look around the house to find things you can incorporate into the holiday centerpiece youre making. Beads, decorated bottle lids, silk flower pieces, bells, empty candy wrappers, buttons and other items around the house can all be implemented in the centerpiece design. Have fun with this project that can perk up any holiday or special occasion!